The images of the earthquake in Nepal captured live on cell-phones hit the television screens of the world within minutes. We watched as the earth shook violently and the brick and mortar buildings of Kathmandu came crumbling to the ground. Of particular note was the sad destruction of the beautiful ancient temples with turned up roof corners, gilded gold and gargoyles that defined the architecture of Nepal. More than buildings crumbled in those moments, the hopes and faith of a majority of the Nepalese people was embodied in the idols that lay in the depths of the rubble. Their deities and their prayers were entombed in chaos and death.
‘The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.’ Ps 135:15-18
Now is the time to show the love of Jesus Christ to the people of Nepal. They are very poor and the tragic quake has left them in unimaginable need. Many remote villages are completely destroyed, as is the heart of the capitol city, Kathmandu. Now is the rainy season and many face the elements without food, clothing, shelter, medicine and warmth. Jesus said,
‘For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me…when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Mt. 25:35,40)
I have been in Nepal in each of the last two years doing ministry conferences for a cross section of churches, from Presbyterian to Pentecostal. It has been a joy to meet the Nepalese. They are some of the most sincere, joyful, faith-filled people in the world. They are intelligent, beautiful, humble and resourceful people who work hard to improve their lives and provide for themselves and their families. At this moment, many are without the ability to do anything. Their homes and possessions are no more; their loved ones are mortal victims of the terrible earthquake.
What can be done? There are traditional channels of giving; Red Cross, Unicef, Feed the Children and World Vision to name some. One you might consider is ‘Glocal Adventures’ run by my friend, Martin Gonzalez, a missionary to Nepal for 10 years. www.glocaladventures.net/get-involved.html The funds will go directly to the Youth With A Mission base in Nepal. YWAM then buys the materials needed to help the Nepalese, and their staff transports them to the remote villages and places of desperate need. 100% of the funds donated to this site will go to relief and rebuilding. These are people that I know and trust that are laboring in Nepal for the Lord.
Another channel is to support the ‘Weekend 4Nepal’ effort May 29-31st. Several Spanish Christian artists and a number of churches will be showing a 3 minute ‘4Nepal’ DVD and taking a special offering on behalf of the country. You can go to the Face Book Page, ‘4Nepal’ for continued information.
I pray you will be blessed as you give to those in great need.